Starting today I will be posting articles related to my previous travels in a Throwback Thursday special. My first article is all about the Aliwan Fiesta.
You know how much I love Philippine Festivals. And Aliwan Fiesta is one of them. In fact it has been a tradition for me to go to the Aliw Theater ro wirness rhe colorful spectacle rhat has always veen mobbed by photographers.
Lumad Basakanon, 2006
My first experience with Aliwan was in 2006. I was then using a film – based SLR camera. Imagine having 2rolls of 36 shot film for a festival that’s exploding with colors!
2006 was the year when Lumad Basakanon won its first Aliwan Fiesta crown. Tribu Ilonganon of Iloilo Dinagyang presented a breathtaking number. It was so beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s only enough for a second place finish.
Alikaraw Festival, 2008
Since 2006 i have not missed a single year of Aliwan Fiesta.
Among the festivals that I have missed and wanted to see again are the Halad Festival of Midsayap, Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos Leyte, Tultugan Festival of Maasn Iloilo, Kasag Festival of Banate Iloilo. and Luyang Dilaw Festival of Bulacan.
Halad Festival 2008
Over the years the festivals have remained almost the same but the contingents have greatly improved in terms of costume design, production design, choreography and music style.
When digital cameras have become much more cheaper, more and more people have enjoyed the Aliwan Fiesta just like I did in the last nine years of covering the event. This year expect even more people would aim their cellphone camera to the costumed performers for a moment of selfie.
Ahh the social media. It is through the social media that the festival gets promoted widely. With Instagram Twitter and Facebook it is easy now to just share photos of Aliwan Fiesta.
This 2015 it will be my tenth year in Aliwan. But more than just covering the event for this blog or for any publication, this year I will be joining a contingent and hopefully be able to dance in front of a thousand plus cheering crowd. I’m excited. Hope to see you all rhis Summer!
Ala Eh! – Fiesta de Toros 2009